Wilson’s Thrilling Victory Highlights Third Annual Road America Challenge
ELKHART LAKE, Wis., – July 30, 2023 – The third annual 25-lap Road America Challenge was held at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis., on July 28, and fans were treated to a nail-biting finish. In the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association (IRA) 410 Sprint Car main event, Greg Wilson of Benton Ridge, Ohio, a two-time All-Star Circuit of Champions titlist, pulled off a spectacular victory, fending off the tenacious points leader Brenham Crouch of Lubbock, Texas, in a heart-stopping photo-finish. Wilson’s well-executed maneuver secured him his second career Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car A-main win, making it all the more special as he achieved it in a drag race to the finish line.
Wilson expressed his elation at the hard-earned victory and credited his wife and daughters for their unwavering support. The win added to his impressive resume of 25 All-Star Circuit of Champions main event triumphs and two World of Outlaws Series A-main victories.
“It’s been a hell of a few weeks,” Wilson said. “My wife and two girls are here helping me tonight with no other crew. It feels great to come to one of my favorite tracks in the county and get a win on the last lap.
“I knew when that caution came out that the middle would be good, especially if the leaders got to sliding each other and messing around, especially if no one blocked me,” he said. “This is unbelievable. I’m a blessed dude to be able to race cars across the country with my own team at 47 years old.”
Adding to the excitement, Joel Myers Jr. of Santa Rosa, Calif., made a dazzling debut appearance at The Plymouth Dirt Track, leading the way in the 30-lap Road America Challenge IRA A-main. However, it was the experienced Bill Balog of Hartland who made a late surge, securing a hard-fought victory after a captivating duel with Crouch.
Former Plymouth Dirt Track Racing (PDTR) 360 Sprint Car Champion Ben Schmidt showcased his unwavering prowess on the track, securing a remarkable sixth victory in the 2023 Akright Auto PDTR 360 Sprint Car main event.
Schmidt, a seasoned 24-year racing veteran, thrilled fans as he maneuvered through thick lapped traffic on the lightning-fast track surface. The victory marked not only his sixth PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main win of the season but also his 21st career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main win and 39th career MSA main event victory.
Hot on Schmidt’s heels was the tenacious Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh, who secured an impressive second place, while Kevin Karnitz of West Bend clinched a respectable third. Chris Clayton of Waldo and Alex Pokorski of West Bend rounded out the top five finishers in the main event of Akright Auto PDTR-Midwest Sprint Car Association.
The Road America Challenge featured a total of 52 Sprint Cars, including 25 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars and 27 Bumper to Bumper IRA Sprints 410 Sprint Cars, drawing racing enthusiasts from far and wide.
Photo credit - JW’s Car and Racing Photos